Rambler

Just a few words about Norm . . .
Conley Adams: As Norman Pobanz has just signed off on leading the Thursday hikes on February 1st; I have felt to write
a small thank you note to him. It’s only been in about the last year that I could keep up with him on the trail. One of the
very best comments I can make about Norm is his care for and the well being of everyone on the hike, and that they all
make the trip back to the trailhead.
Karen Perkins: About 3 years ago, my work schedule became light enough to permit me to go on Norm’s Thursday
group outings. For years, every time I’d see Norm, he’d tell me of his Thursday hikes and snowshoes, so I was primed
for adventure. I haven’t been disappointed. Sometimes we’ve gotten into some formidable bushwhacks and once
came home soaked to the bone, but it was always part of the fun - especially in hindsight. Thanks to Norm, I’ve been
to places in the Wasatch I would never have gone, and hiked with folks I might not have met otherwise. Besides I’ve
eaten Carma’s pecan bars - worth it all! Norm has given countless hours to the club, organizing not just weekly events,
but many backpacks. My first outing with him was backpacking in the Uintahs years ago and, being a novice, I really
appreciated Norm’s organizing skills and savvy about the trails and terrain. When I recently told Norm I’d applied for my
life membership and asked when he would do so, he would always reply that the $35/yearly to the WMC was the best
money he ever spent. I’ve heard him say it time and again, so I know he really means it! Norm has been gold to all of us
who’ve enjoyed his trips, tours and hikes over the years.
Robert Sweeten: Around five years ago, I was a new member doing my first hike to Lake Blanche. A fellow hiker told me
that one of the men on the hike had just had hip replacement surgery a few months ago and was with us on the hike.
Well, the hike about did me in, and I was thinking that he must be one tough dude. Now, years later, after spending
many hours on the trail and on snowshoes with him, I can tell you he is not only tough, but also a good friend and a great
person. Thursday’s won’t be the same without him. Norm, may the wind be always at your back.
Leslie Woods: The WMC has been very lucky and fortunate to have Norm as an active member for the last 20 some
years, or maybe even closer to 30 years. Back in the late 80’s when I first met Norm on a hike up Mount Olympus, he
was hiking to Blister Hill 3 to 4 times a week. Later Norm expanded his hiking to include the whole Desolation Lake trail,
beginning at Thaynes Canyon and ending at Beartrap. I think it became an annual hike for a few years. Another one
of his favorite local hikes was the Wild Kitten done in the fall, so everyone could enjoy the beautiful colors. Norm also
organized backpack trips to the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. Some of his favorite places there are Square Top
Mountain, the Island Lake area, Lost Lake and definitely the Big Sandy area. One year he had 3 ladies accompany him on
a weeklong trip in the Winds from the North to the South end. It was spectacular. He also led weekly hikes on Tuesdays,
but due to work schedules they were changed to Thursdays, since Norm is so accommodating. In the early years of 2000,
Norm would do a seminar on how to backpack and then take the participants overnight into the Uintahs to practice their
skills. One fellow cut his pack weight almost in half after the overnight practice. Norm has a lot of favorite places in the
Uintahs, such as Long Lake, Watson Lake and the Crystal Lake area. Plus sometime along the way, Norm would lead
weekly snowshoe trips. Norm should have applied to become a Life Member of the WMC several years ago, but never did,
even though he is very deserving of the honor. Thanks a million Norm for all that you have given the WMC over so many
years. We are all very grateful for your guidance and expertise in the outdoors.
Bruce Moore: We were headed out to hike the Mormon Trail one fine June morning, starting at Mormon Flats. Upon
arrival at the trailhead, it didn’t take long to notice the creek was flooded, after all it was early June, and several hundred
yards of trail were underwater. Giving up so early wasn’t in our playbook, so we found a way around the flood with a
little bushwhacking and a fence jump or two. I didn’t get my feet wet, but I noticed some grumbling coming from my
fellow hikers. We had a great hike, perfect weather, saw a Moose, and had a great day. On the return trip, some of
us carried logs back to the flood site to make a bridge. Some of the grumblers were hell-bent on finding a better route
across the flooded stream. This all happened within 200 yards of our cars. After getting everybody across the stream, a
quick headcount said we had a couple missing - Norm and Curtis Adams. After about 10 minutes, Norm and Curtis came
walking or wallowing or floating out of the bush soaking wet with moss and mud dripping from them everywhere. I will
never forget the look of absolute disgust on Norm’s face! After some friendly teasing Norm explained, “Life as Norm lives
it”. The better return route didn’t materialize, we all had a good laugh about it and Norm took it like a champ. What an
amazing guy! The hiking boots took a week to dry completely . . .
Mike Nordstrom: A panegyric to Norm Pobanz: Norm is one of the best for organizing and leading a group into
the mountains. Norm’s alpine spirit and unswerving determination to reach the top of a peak or a trail’s end
has created a legend. Happy trails to you Norm. Thanks for all those mountain memories.
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